* Editorial writers are easily predictable. If politicians change their minds and move away from an editorial board’s position, they’re “flip-floppers.” But when politicians flip-flop in the direction of an editorial writer, they’re “statesmen.”

From today’s Post-Dispatch editorial…

The best, most politically do-able alternative is the so-called tax swap, a plan that has been bouncing around Springfield for years. It combines a rise in corporate and personal income taxes with a smaller cut in property taxes.

Such a plan faces two problems, and the first is Mr. Blagojevich himself. He’s promised through two gubernatorial campaigns not to raise personal income or sales taxes. Mr. Blagojevich has ambitions beyond the governor’s mansion and reneging on a “read-my-lips” pledge would cost lots of votes. In other words, it would take real courage.

Wrong. The governor ran twice on this issue. He has sworn up and down more times than I can count that he would veto any such tax increase. He ought to be expected to keep promises like that.

How many times have we seen editorial writers chastise Blagojevich for not following through on his original campaign pledge to “change business as usual”? He didn’t even run on that pledge the last time, yet they still throw it in his face every chance they get. He did, however, run again on a platform of opposition to income and sales tax hikes. He should be encouraged to remain honest about that, instead of enticed into breaking his solemn vows.

* The governor has said lately that he won’t sign an income or sales tax hike during a time when gas prices could reach “$5 a gallon.” Eric Krol points out the obvious: The governor’s GRT proposal would likely raise gas prices…

Fleischli estimated that when gas was at $2.69 a gallon, Blagojevich’s business tax meant the price would go up seven cents a gallon. The amount only increases as the cost of gas does.

Go read the whole thing. There’s a pretty brutal back and forth with a Blagojevich aide.

* As I told subscribers this morning, A+ Illinois has a new radio ad. Listen below…

[audio:A+Illinois5_15.mp3]

* Tom Kacich of the Champaign News-Gazette has a question in the wake of the House’s rejection of the GRT…

How does he reassert himself over a Legislature that has has made him, for now, irrelevant?

Answer: The man with the veto pen and the power to call special sessions is never completely irrelevant.

* More GRT stories, compiled by Paul…

* YDD outlines tax alternatives

* Rejection of tax plan means hard decisions

* Zorn: Is Blagojevich man with plan, or just clueless?

* Editorial: A program for every need across the nation